Pubdate: Sat, 07 Apr 2012
Source: Detroit News (MI)
Copyright: 2012 The Detroit News
Contact:  http://www.detroitnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/126
Author: Candice Williams

THOUSANDS SHOW SUPPORT FOR MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION AT HASH BASH

Ann Arbor- Thousands of marijuana supporters rallied Saturday in
support of legalization of the drug at the University of Michigan Diag.

The 41st annual Hash Bash began at high noon and featured medicinal
users, caregivers and supporters of marijuana.

Charmie Gholson, communications director for Safer Michigan Repeal
Marijuana Prohibition 2012, and Charles Ream, coordinator for the
Safer Michigan Coalition, were emcees for the event.

This year activists collected signatures to amend the Michigan
Constitution to allow for marijuana use for all reasons for adults at
least 21 years old. The group has about 15,000 signatures so far of
the 323,000 needed to get the issue on the November ballot, officials
said.

David Dudenhoefer, who collected signatures on the Diag during and
after the event, said he's getting good feedback from people, even
some who don't even smoke.

"People see the value in giving people that choice as long as they
aren't hurting anybody..." he said. "It's not about endorsement. It's
about tolerance."

Dudenhoefer pointed out the parallel of this effort with Michigan
being the first to repeal the prohibition on alcohol.

"It would be ironic to be able to do that with cannabis and hemp," he
said.

The Hash Bash began in 1971 after a local activist, John Sinclair, was
sent to prison for 10 years for selling two joints to undercover
police. He was released after the Michigan Supreme Court ruled the
state's marijuana statutes were unconstitutional.

Sinclair, who spoke at the event, urged attendees to get out and
vote.

"When people like ourselves vote, we win," he said. "We can make it
happen."

Savanna Wesolowski, 25, of Jackson came to her first Hash Bash this
year in support of marijuana's legalization. The state could tax
marijuana sales, she said.

"I don't see anything wrong with marijuana," she said. "Just legalize
it. It can help the state bring in revenue."

Police presence was visible on the campus near the Diag and one person
was seen arrested.

Voters legalized medical marijuana in Michigan in 2008.

Some of the Hash Bash crowd also attended the nearby Monroe Street
Fair, which ends at 5:45 p.m.
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MAP posted-by: Matt